The Preservation Society of Chapel Hill

The Spirit of Chapel Hill

December 12 and 13, 2009

Peek into the past with the Preservation Society
Join us on the 2009 Holiday House Tour showcasing seven local historic homes embodying the spirit of Chapel Hill. In the early 20th century, Franklin and Rosemary streets developed into hubs of activity and culture as the University drew intellectuals to the area. Over time, Chapel Hill grew from an academic niche to a full-fledge town, and so the houses evolved from quaint bungalows to stately homes. Well-known architects of the time were called upon to help design some of the later homes, giving the area its tasteful look of quiet grandeur. As elegant Colonial Revival homes grew up around small kit homes the eclectic mix that has become synonymous with the excitement of Chapel Hill's early days. Tickets for the tour are $20 in advance and $25 day of the tour. New this year is our lantern walking tour on Dec. 12. Tickets for this event are $10 adults/ $6 children, students, and seniors.

Tour Highlights
Explore the Horace Williams House, an 1850’s home boasting Chapel Hill’s first octagonal room, or the Wagstaff House, Chapel Hill’s finest example of a Colonial Revival home. Also open is Berry Brown Tax House, built by Harriet Berry as a wedding present to her sister, and the home of Dr. Stacy and his wife Inez Stacy, who became the first adviser to women and dean of women at UNC.

The Horace Williams House

610 E. Rosemary

The Horace Williams House was built in the 1840’s with the intention of reflecting local styles. The “octagon room” was added in 1854 by Professor Benjamin Hedrick, the only professor ever fired for his political beliefs. The property was willed to the University by Horace Williams, the final owner of the house.

The Chapel Hill Museum and Historical Society

523 E. Franklin Street

The Chapel Hill Museum was built in 1968, and originally served as the town library. The museum might seem out of place, a modern building in the historic district, but the structure is an example of Chapel Hill’s architectural evolution. Also enjoy the reenovated Chapel Hill Historical Society and exhibits featuring the history of the town. Chapel Hill's own Village Band will be performing seasonal tunes at 2:30 p.m. during Sunday's tour.

Stacy-Cain House

615 E. Rosemary Street

The Stacy-Cain house was built in 1912 for Dr. Marvin Stacy, a UNC Chapel Hill alumnus who became acting president in 1919. Stacy sold the house to Dr. Cain or Major Cain as he was popularly known, in 1915. Cain was also a professor, and came from a longstanding Hillsborough family who were among the contributors to the original campus. Click to read more about the house in the Chapel Hill News.

Holiday House Tour Ticket Books

523 E. Franklin Street

Your ticket to the 2009 Holiday House Tour is a beautiful keep sake that you'll want to keep around for years to come. This full color booklet captures the spirit of the season and the history of this historic neighborhood. Packed with photographs of the historic homes and their influential residents, the 2009 ticket book is a great souvenir to share with friends and family.

Want to see more pictures of the home's and their interiors? Click here.

The Wagstaff-Brown House

214 N. Boundary Street

The house was built for Henry Wagstaff, a history professor, in 1907. The house is one of Chapel Hill’s finest examples of the Colonial Revival style. Originally located on the property to the right of where it stands, the house was moved in 1925 when Wagstaff sold half of the plot to Lewis Round Wilson. Join us for a special unveiling of the new historic plaque for the house on Sunday at 2 p.m. Read more about this house in the Chapel Hill News.>

The Van Hecke-Scroggs-Bean-Petrow House

719 E. Rosemary

Built in 1932 by Maurice Van Hecke, prominent UNC law professor, the house features a split shingle style, charmingly reminiscent of New England. Tucked away on the secluded Rosemary Street extension, the spacious home features a colorful front door recessed under a beautiful arched frame. Read about this house in the Chapel Hill News.

The Henry-Nuzum House

213 N. Boundary Street

The Henry-Nuzum House was built for George Henry, a Latin professor, in 1918. The house has since been occupied by numerous professors, including the current owner, C. Thomas Nuzum, a retired medical professor. Join us for a special unveiling of the new historic plaque for the house on Saturday at 2 p.m. Read more about this house in the Chapel Hill News.>

The Holmes-Koch House

204 Glenburnie

Newly renovated! The Holmes-Koch House was built in 1913 by John S. Holmes, one of the state’s first foresters. The house’s design reflects the popular New England Shingle Style, a variation on the Queen Anne style. Frederick Koch, the founder of Playmakers, bought the house in 1924. Read more about this house in the Chapel Hill News.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of event.

Tickets may also be purchased at:
Horace Williams House - 610 E. Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill Museum - 523 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
McIntyre's Books, Fearrington Village
Bloom, Southern Village
Peacock Alley, University Square
The Painted Bird, Carr Mill Mall
Morgan Imports, Brightleaf Square, Durham
Womancraft, Eastgate
Victoria Park Florist, Timberlyne Shopping Center
University Florist, Chapel Hill
Purple Puddle, Chapel Hill
A Southern Season, Chapel Hill

Click here for the House Tour Poster.

Also be sure to sign up for our special evening walking tour.